Two of the three remaining bidders for Chelsea are keen to hire a technical director at Stamford Bridge, with Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell high on their wish lists.
Following the Ricketts family's withdrawal, the race to buy Chelsea has come down to just three parties: Todd Boehly, Sir Martin Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca - all three of whom are understood to be keen to keep Marina Granovskaia in her director role.
Now, The Athletic note that the bidders are looking at bolstering Granovskaia's team with the appointment of a technical director. The Blues used to have someone in that role but have had a vacancy ever since Michael Emenalo's departure in 2017.
In talks over possible appointments, two of the bidders are understood to have expressed an interest in Mitchell, who has built a reputation as a recruitment specialist during his time with MK Dons, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig and Monaco.
Reports from France have suggested that Mitchell could leave his position at Monaco at the end of the season after growing uncomfortable with a change in political climate at the club, although president Dmitry Rybolovlev is determined to keep the transfer guru around.
Monaco have been hugely impressed with the work Mitchell has done, using a limited budget to rejuvenate both their squad and that of feeder side Cercle Brugge, but a number of clubs across Europe have also enjoyed watching Mitchell work.
Newcastle considered him before appointing Dan Ashworth, while Ralf Rangnick has recommended Mitchell, with whom he worked at Leipzig, to Manchester United if they choose to appoint a technical director this summer.
It appears as though Chelsea are keen on Mitchell as well, but a move for the Monaco man will depend on who ends up taking control at Stamford Bridge.
Source : 90min